Australia release Maddinson ahead of South Africa decider
Maddinson and Harper released as Green and Inglis return to the squad for the Cape Town Test.
Australia have released Nic Maddinson from their Test squad ahead of the third match against South Africa at Newlands on Tuesday. Maddinson and back-up wicketkeeper Sam Harper have been allowed to return to Australia to play in the Sheffield Shield. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are now available for selection after recovering from their respective injuries.
Maddinson scored 0, 48, 0 and 8 in his four innings after returning to the Test side following a 10-year absence. His release is expected to see Matt Renshaw return to the opening position alongside Travis Head. Chief selector George Bailey said the decision was made after assessing what the team saw at its best from Maddinson.
Steve Smith remains a fitness concern for the decider after sustaining a neck injury in the second Test. Australia will not finalise their playing eleven until closer to the toss on Tuesday.
CricHubb Take
The release of Maddinson after just four innings shows Australia are not willing to persist with a player who was brought in as a stop-gap measure. The move suggests the team believes it has better options available now that Green and Inglis are fit, rather than carrying a player whose returns did not justify his continued selection.